With Queensland’s incoming LNP government now officially sworn in and undertaking a 100-day review of Brisbane’s Olympic stadium options, the focus has shifted back to viable urban sites following the anticipated shelving of the previous government’s flawed QSAC proposal in Nathan.
Now, the city’s best options include Northshore Hamilton, Victoria Park, and a redevelopment of The Gabba. Among these however, Northshore Hamilton stands out as the most compelling choice, not only for its riverfront location and existing state-owned land but also for its cost-effective approach that avoids the logistical challenges associated with moving major sports teams.
A Strategic Transit Solution with Long-Term Benefits
The potential to extend the Doomben rail line to Northshore Hamilton provides a scalable transit solution that would meet Olympic demands while leaving a lasting improvement for local residents. Upgrading this rail line would create efficient connectivity to Brisbane’s northern areas and the CBD, benefiting not only Olympic attendees but also future residents of Northshore Hamilton.
By contrast, while The Gabba has an established transport network, redeveloping the site for Olympic use would require extensive upgrades and roadworks, potentially disrupting surrounding neighbourhoods. Victoria Park, though centrally located, is highly contentious with locals and further risks the Olympics carrying a negative perception, something that Northshore would solve instantly. An upgraded Doomben line and extension to Northshore aligns with Brisbane’s urban growth strategies, with benefits extending beyond the Games for Brisbane’s growing population and reducing congestion in the long term.
Avoiding Major Relocations: A Cost-Saving Measure
Choosing Northshore Hamilton also circumvents the need to displace two major Queensland sports organisations: the Brisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket. The Gabba is currently home to both of these teams, and redeveloping it into an Olympic venue would mean temporarily relocating both organisations, which would lead to additional costs and logistical complications. The Lions’ stadium and Queensland Cricket facilities would need suitable interim locations during construction, a costly endeavour that would only add to the financial burden of redeveloping The Gabba.
By selecting Northshore Hamilton, the government can save on these relocation expenses. The ex-industrial, state-owned land at Northshore Hamilton offers a fresh start without disrupting existing sporting venues, which makes it the more cost-effective option. This approach ensures that funding is directed towards creating a state-of-the-art Olympic venue rather than dealing with relocation logistics, providing the city with better value for its investment.
An Iconic Riverfront Location with Global Appeal
Northshore Hamilton’s riverside setting presents a unique and iconic backdrop for Brisbane’s Olympic Games. Supported by the Brisbane Design Alliance’s recent Northshore Vision 2050 proposal, this site would transform into an internationally recognised waterfront precinct, creating a visually stunning destination. The riverfront setting not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances Brisbane’s reputation for innovative city design. The Brisbane Design Alliance envisions a landmark Olympic precinct that embraces sustainable urban planning and maximises the riverfront environment, making it a future focal point for the city.
Victoria Park and The Gabba, while both potential options, do not offer the same visual or developmental impact. Northshore Hamilton’s transformation would highlight Brisbane’s progressive approach to urban development, creating a precinct that would remain valuable long after the Olympic Games.
Utilising State-Owned Land: A Cost-Effective Solution
Northshore Hamilton’s state-owned, flat, and ex-industrial land gives Brisbane a cost-effective option for Olympic development. Unlike The Gabba, which would require extensive retrofitting and residential impact, or Victoria Park, where using green space would lead to public resistance, Northshore’s land status eliminates the need for earthworks and costly demolition of existing structures. Transforming Northshore aligns with Brisbane’s urban renewal goals and preserves cherished community areas like Victoria Park.
This approach if taken by the LNP government’s 100-day review would balance Olympic infrastructure needs with community interests and cost-efficiency. Northshore Hamilton’s unique blend of available land and riverside appeal makes it a smart investment for Brisbane’s future.
Legacy Planning: A Vision for Brisbane’s Future
Where Northshore Hamilton truly excels is in its comprehensive legacy planning, thanks to the Northshore Vision 2050. This long-term blueprint aims to create a dynamic, self-sustaining community featuring residential areas, commercial hubs, and public amenities. The Doomben rail extension would benefit future Northshore Hamilton residents, integrating the precinct into Brisbane’s transport network. Northshore’s sustainability-focused design includes green energy, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and car-free zones, ensuring that the Olympic precinct serves the city’s needs long after the Games.
The Gabba, in contrast, would likely revert to primarily a sports venue post-Olympics, limiting its broader community impact. Similarly, developing Victoria Park would require significant changes to the landscape, detracting from its public value as a recreational area. Northshore Hamilton’s legacy plan offers a clear vision for a connected, environmentally conscious precinct, contributing to Brisbane’s sustainable growth.
Economic Growth and Community Development
Northshore Hamilton’s development offers Brisbane the opportunity for a substantial economic boost. The Games would catalyse Northshore’s evolution into a vibrant riverside precinct, stimulating investment in hospitality, retail, and real estate that would benefit the local economy long after the Olympics. The Northshore Vision 2050 envisions a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and public amenities, offering future residents a lively, self-sufficient community.
The Gabba’s surrounding neighbourhoods and Victoria Park’s parkland restrict post-Games economic expansion. Northshore Hamilton’s location, development potential, and state-owned status make it a promising choice for sustainable economic growth, supporting Brisbane’s evolving identity and contributing to the city’s long-term prosperity.
Respecting Brisbane’s Green Spaces
Northshore Hamilton’s ex-industrial site offers an ideal solution for Olympic needs without compromising Brisbane’s cherished green spaces, one that Brisbane’s own LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner wants to see protected. Victoria Park, which has now become a treasured green area, is one of the city’s most valued parks, and redeveloping it for Olympic use could face significant public opposition. Choosing Northshore Hamilton instead aligns with the Brisbane Design Alliance’s proposal, which integrates greenery and public spaces, supporting Brisbane’s goals of sustainable urban growth.
The decision to use Northshore Hamilton would showcase Brisbane’s commitment to responsible development, focusing on urban renewal while preserving established green areas.
A Future-Ready Choice for Brisbane’s Olympic Legacy
The choice between Northshore Hamilton, Victoria Park, and The Gabba highlights different approaches to Brisbane’s future as an Olympic city. With the LNP government’s renewed focus on practical, sustainable options, Northshore Hamilton stands out for its riverfront appeal, state-owned land, transit potential, and minimal impact on existing facilities. By saving relocation costs for the Lions and Queensland Cricket, Northshore provides a cost-efficient and future-oriented solution for the Olympic Games.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, choosing Northshore Hamilton would solidify the city’s vision for sustainable growth, enhanced infrastructure, and long-term community impact. With the Brisbane Design Alliance’s support and an iconic riverside setting, Northshore Hamilton promises a lasting legacy that respects Brisbane’s values, enriching the cityscape for future generations.
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Couldn’t agree more and let’s hope the new QLD Premier and whoever is doing a new 100-day review can cake note of this one as the proposed Brisbane Olympic Stadium site for 2032.
If the 100-day review is anything like the $400,000 Quirk report, this idea is dead in the water.
The Quirk report assessed this site already: it was ruled out. And for good reasons: it just doesn’t offer the best Olympics infrastructure or (post-olympics) replacement Gabba stadium solution.
It’s a slick article, and sure there’s plenty of pros. But the costs just don’t stack up for a stadium build and the long term benefits just aren’t there.
This article is a public transport plan for the Eastern riverside region in desperate need of an Olympics stadium problem.
I hope the LNP will seriously consider this North Shore option for the Stadium.
Please Note:
The current disastrous plan to construct the new entertainment Brisbane Arena at Roma Street Parklands needs to be seriously reassessed during the LNP’s 100-day review.
The large vacant North Shore area is a better-suited location than the proposed Brisbane Arena at the Iconic Roma Street Parklands gardens.
The current modelling for the new entertainment Arena is also designed to house a temporary pool for the Olympics.
The proposed location of the arena will destroy large areas of the existing flora and fauna in this world-renowned parkland. The impact on communities during and after construction will be disastrous. Surrounding streets will be blocked, and neighbouring residents will be severely disadvantaged.
Statement: Cost-Efficiency Northshore Hamilton avoids costly relocations for the Lions and Queensland Cricket, using state-owned land with minimal disruption.
Reply: While Northshore Hamilton may seem cost-efficient, it requires significant government funding, ultimately benefiting the developers. It’s crucial to consider the true costs and who bears them. Victoria Park, on the other hand, would not disrupt the Lions or Queensland Cricket one iota. Its central location ensures ongoing use by both visitors and locals. Imagine the vibrancy of Southbank multiplied tenfold at Victoria Park. Barrambin (B/VP is the logical choice, offering unparalleled potential.
Statement: Iconic Riverfront Location Supported by the Brisbane Design Alliance, Northshore’s waterfront setting would create a globally recognisable Olympic precinct that showcases Brisbane.
Reply: Northshore is quite distant from the CBD. Barrambin/Victoria Park would provide an ideal Olympic precinct, with the Athletes’ Village relocated adjacent o
Reply: Northshore is quite distant from the CBD. Barrambin/Victoria Park would provide an ideal Olympic precinct, with the Athletes’ Village relocated adjacent on QUT and mains rd existing land, saving on transport and security costs would be considerable. Athletes could walk to the facilities, resolving transport issues and enhancing security. Developers could benefit by investing in Barrambin/Victoria Park while still developing Northshore for mixed social accommodation. Unlike the isolated Brisbane Entertainment Centre, similar in distance out from the CBD as the entertainment centre is, Barrambin/Victoria Park would be centrally located, well-connected, and free from traffic issues along the length of Kingsford Smith Drive.
Statement: Enhanced Transit Infrastructure Extending the Doomben rail line would improve connectivity, benefiting Olympic visitors and future residents in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
Reply: Olympic visitors at Victoria Park would enjoy seamless connectivity, with parklands extending from Southbank through Roma Street to Victoria Park. This creates a true legacy for Brisbane—an inclusive, inspirational global outlook space with unlimited opportunities and lifestyle facilities for all, not just a few. People throughout the world realise that a stadium needs to be central for all to access and enjoy entertainment after events if it is to be successful
In contrast, Victoria Park offers a unique opportunity for a vibrant, inclusive community. After experiencing the Cold Chisel concerts at Barrambin/Vic Park (B/VP) the Olympics at B/VP will be like World expo 88 on steroids, in fact it will not only surpass in size and content anything you witnessed then. Look how expo 88 changed the face of Brisbane. B/VP will do that way better and in bucket loads
Statement: Preservation of Green Spaces By selecting Northshore Hamilton, Brisbane can transform underused industrial land without encroaching on cherished parks like Victoria Park.
Reply: Covering the ICB would significantly expand Victoria Park, retaining most of its current areas. This allows the BCC park team to redefine and enhance the space, creating a true inspirational Global Garden style legacy. Collaboration with local grammar schools could further enhance sporting and leisure facilities providing benefits for all concerned, a win win for all, Embodying the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and
A great opportunity likely to be missed, unfortunately…
Not really though.
The NorthShore has been proposed for high-rise high-density development for quite some time. It’s not as if there weren’t any plans for this area until now.
This article’s idea might actually be detrimental to those proposed plans: public housing is earmarked for this region.
Imagine the backlash if the amount of public housing was scaled back due to this project going ahead.
Imagine the ‘broken promises’ political hotbed this might create.
Anyone who falls for this slick marketing and glossy drawings is as gullible as they come. It is all about a syndicate getting their hands on prime riverfront land, then finding out the dream is just that -a fantasy. It will then be wound back, and they’ll seek gobmvernment funding as well. This has a walkway levitating over the river. It will need to be as high as the Gateway. Good luck with that. It has buildings levitating over a playing field. There are walkways to nowhere. It’s a joke.
Fabulous idea, except I would extend the railway to the cruise terminal which should be capable of berthing 2 megaships. I would also hire the ships as athletes accomodation, rooms for thousands, pools, entertainment, kitchens and food galore with the staff already onboard. Win win.
I really like this idea!
Or better yet, cancel the Olympics!
It’s too late for that.
When Dan cancelled the Commonweath Games, it only cost $500 million.
Cancelling the Olympics now would cost at least $1 billion. Not to mention Australia’s reputation on the world stage.
Might be ok? If we could allow it to be built to be hosed out after a flood (resilient finishes, elevated elec transformer etc – Robust fiinshes are great for long term investment and Brisbane is a Brutalist city anyway [which we don’t embrace but should]) Its actually a good use of the area rather than people living there getting flooded every 10 years… I had been keen on the Vic park option (showcasing the Brisbane skyline, easy to get to etc etc). Definitely not a Gabba rebuild (lunacy!!). Need to deal with lots of plane noise there if the stadium is open topped.
It doesn’t flood along that stretch.
The article does highlight a number of positives. Extending the rail line seems like a great idea with longterm city building benefits, but I think Ron James is right to argue the beautiful renders of the vision are fantasy.
Dont wont to be the party pooper here, but extending the doomben line to a new stadium in this location is not a simple task. It would be an entire stadium’s worth of investment.
Consider that the doomben line is currently: a single track, not signalled in such a way it integrates with the rest of the rail network, and ties in with the 4 tracks at eagle Junction where we will operate more trains in the future. If you read SEQ rail connect you will notice it doesnt anticipate any big uplift yo the DL, this would necessitate a reconsideration of the entire future netowrk. Overall, the Doomben line is a pretty constrained appendix of the rail line. So much so, it currently doesn’t even operate on a Sunday.
For a frequency that would be useful to a stadium (and the surrounding development) it would need to be two tracks (similar to FG line). It would need to be resignalled for this too. Currently signalling is basically 1 in 1 out.
The current stations would inevitably need new platforms for two tracks (big investment). The higher frequency would need to pair correctly with another line end in the network, possibly reducing services to another location in the network. It would need more rollingstcok too, either in addition to what the current fleet is, or reducing another line’s services.
A longer and wider corridor would plow throw a mix of housing and industry at high cost, at a time where housing availability is a significant issue. Finally, and for a finale, it would also require a signacant road-rail interface with Kingsford smith drive. Road over rail would be something north of $400m (looking at Coopers Plains that is getting underway for comparison) or a rail tunnel would be even more (possibly not possible with dive grades or soil type along river).
These attributes would alone be an incredible investment in rail infrastructure in the Doomben line. There are other opportunities for rail investment in SEQ that would likely be more vfm. And, this ignores this significant investment in the wooloongabba station of Cross River Rail that has occurred, wouldn’t be required as part of that option. And noting the significant rail infrastructure projects underway, budgeted, we’d be hard pressed to get the hands on deck in time for 2032.
Perhaps some really bendy buses instead?
Regardless, always good to explore all our options for a successful SEQ region. Just thought I’d dive a little deeper into what a doomben extension may be.
VvD
Couldn’t agree with you more.
The Doomben Line extension is a garbage idea that doesn’t even solve the problem of quick mass transport to the game.
the single line means lengthy delays between train turn-up, and a 20 minute commute from the CBD. Considering all lines go to the city, catching a train to the game will be whoppingly inconvenient for the vast majority of Olympics/ AFL/ Cricket fans. Imagine trying to take the kids to a match by train.
This problem simply cannot be solved by extending the Doomben Line. You’d be better off catching a City Cat, because at least your 20 minute commute would be scenic.
Unless a Metro line is built along Kingsford Smith Drive (and it would have to be built all the way to either to the City or to the Herston RBH interchange), there’s simply no easy way to get to this stadium by public transport.
All that infrastructure costs, PLUS the stadium build makes it unfeasible compared to other sites. You could build over the ICB at Victoria Park for those costs: at least that would solve the traffic noise issues and make the surrounding space fully usable.
The Doomben line railway easement apparently has provision for a second line. Refer to the photos. The Northshore Vision 2050 extravaganza proposal is ludicrous beyond belief. Surely a 70k seater stadium with an interesting roof structure and minus all the fashionable LED bling can be built for around 3 billion (union rorting permitting).
Tend to agree – i think that is why BCC are proposing converting Doomben line to a Metro high speed bus link all the way to the airport – if that happens it would be much easier to get a Metro spur into Northshore than a rail line extension. They need to fix public transport to Northshore anyway given all the units they are proposing there – stadium or not
When has the dispersal to 50000+ people at the end of the transport corridor worked long term?
Magnificent location, but unfortunately directly in line with the new runway approach and departure.
I agree with others that the transport setup for a doomben extension just isn’t as good as Victoria park, I’m not sure it would have good legacy use. Big facilities like MCG and Adelaide oval work because the crowd can melt away in multiple directions with plenty of walking or transport options. Even with significant investment it wouldn’t be brilliantly connected to the rest of the city.
This site is in a poor position. At the end of a runway. In the middle of no where. People want facilities in a central position. The days of building major infrastructure in the suburbs are over. If it had a roof over it you may get a way with it but as it stands in a pain in the arse to get there.
A venue on the river there would be extremely vulnerable to flood damage.
Middle of nowhere? It’s 6Km from the CBD
And what has the airport got to do with anything? Planes fly pretty much over the Gabba now anyway.
People should think before they comment
I love jumping in on this new runway noise debate. I can’t have conversations with my family and am woken up in the middle of the night, and I’m way out in Bardon, with occasional planes only… no where near as low altitude or on such a direct line with the runway as the Northshore Stadium would be. The Government might divert the planes during the olympics but after that, there could be real issues. Vic Park location all the way. Build it already!!
Gabba plane issue is far less severe than a location directly below incoming landing planes . The Gabba doesn’t get planes every 15 minutes, and they’re still a reasonable altitude. Northshore will have overhead planes so low you could count the number of bolts on the landing wheels. That’s significantly more noise.
Why would you want to choose a site with even worse noise issues than the Gabba?
It doesn’t flood along that stretch at all.
If you have ever driven around the current Northshore wasteland the opportunity to take a site scaring the riverfront of Brisbane it offers a once in a generation chance to transform our city similar to what Expo 88 did to South Brisbane. Just imagine how ugly the inner city riverfront would look now 40 odd years later if Southbank never took off. Southbank is rhe #1 tourist destination in town so build it and they will come. Look at how successful and innovative the new stadium in Perth is and it services less than half the population.
Technical challenges will exist at every location. Northshore is closer than Nathan; will be a legacy project not a 2 week mock-up; no large environmental issues like Victoria Park ; the Gabba is too land-locked and a massive disruption to the locals for YEARS. Time to be bold and see the vision. I would bet a private/Government project at Hamilton would be a financial positive.
Look to the future not the next 8 years but the next 30 plus and Northshore is an outstanding option.
We need to spend a lot of money on any location proposed.
The QSAC & QAS areas could still be an option as well.
1) Build the new stadium on the West side of the QAS stadium. (We have a total of 4 stadiums for different sports)
2) Build the accommodation nearer to the QE II hospital. It will be used by the hospital staff and patient families and sold to the public. (proved in Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
3) Finally, the excellent southside busway to Griffith Uni, stadiums and QEII hospital should be extended. Also, a few parks and rides should be built to use the Metro fully.
All those costs just to have a stadium 15 to 20 minutes away from the city??
Sorry but no . You’re advertising for another Boondall Entertainment Centre project.
And no one wants a second white elephant.
If you’re going to spend that much money, there’s plenty more viable sites on offer.
This is a fantastic opportunity to show not just Australia but he world Brisbane’s innovation and show how holding the world foremost competition how we can and will adept to the situation
This is a poor choice to build a stadium.
Locating it right underneath the flight-path of incoming planes preparing to land is not a good idea.
Ever been to the state hockey centre? Ever stopped off at Colmslie Reserve? You can literally count the bolts on the landing gear of the overhead planes, which come in at 10 and 15 minute intervals.
All that noise cannot be mitigated: you can’t change flight paths every time there’s an AFL game or Cricket match.
No, just no.
For all this article’s talk about ‘rejuvination’ and ‘transformation’ and ‘creating new development opportunities’ ….. the exact same arguments could be used for similar sites across Brisbane.
Like the old Toombul Shopping Centre (with it’s two train lines running right beside it: much cheaper infrastructure build.)
Or the Bowen Hills railway yards (which is closer to the city, closer to existing Bowen Hills train station AND closer to the Metro RWBH interchange.)
It’s not as if this is a unique one-of-a-kind location that can be redeveloped into a new-age high density region.
It’s not as if this site is unique for creating an easy public transport solution.
It’s not as if any other site will receiver lesser benefits from added infrastructure.
It’s not as if this is the cheapest site to build on either.
All sites have problems, it’s just a matter of how much cash is needed to solve them.
If you’re going to commit to solving this problem, at least pick a solution that offers best value in the long term. This site just doesn’t do it.
And yet thousands of wealthy people live at that end of the river. Go figure
I realise this article could be seen as propaganda for developers wanting to line their pockets, but this is a winner. The ultimate way to show off Brisbane. It has legacy, it is spectacular. Provisioning for a social housing solution surely could be incorporated within a North Shore announcement. Will keep everyone happy. Please Premier Crisafullu, bring this one home!
Should never have taken it on anyway should have been put to a public vote. These games never make the host cities money. They end up costing entirely more than they make back.
Get rid of them and never hold them again.. And for people saying it pushes forward infrustructure It actually doesn’t. It creates more crap for people to put up with that shouldn’t be happening. Not to mention these are all very wealthy suburbs already so it’s pointless.
As a concept I think its a great idea. Rebuilding the rail line is a great idea that can turn this and the surrounding area into a new residential haven. The art work looks a bit ambitious but its far better than other options I’ve seen put forward. Transport can also include Rivercats and it will still need a good road connection for after the games as I assume the village will become a residential area so that would require careful planning, the village could be bolstered up with some cruise ships hired for the occasion and that way the train line could entend to overseas passengership terminal.
Big question is the area flood prone and what could be done to mitigate as much risk as possible. I know a lot of work was done on the Sydney site to get it as good as possible.
The stadium needs to be as multifunctional as possible where it could transform from a Rectangular field to a basket ball stadium to an Cricket/AFL oval. This would require sliding seats or assembled seating to continue the viewing rake down to the smaller football style grounds. So in oval format the first row of seating is high and the rearward sections steeper than normal. This would make it a multifunctional venue that could do anything from a Music venue to visiting teams football , cricket, AFL its architecture could be the Icon of the city if done right, a feature that people would come to just to see the venue yet alone see an event there.
Go for it and get the federal funding to help make this something that Australia can be proud of!
It will take time to build and we will still have our favorite stadiums to enjoy our sport whilst this get built.
Its probably true that host cities don’t make money out of these events, but to me its about putting Brisbane on the map. What has Brisbane got that somebody can look at from anywhere in the world and say “Oh, yeah – that’s Brisbane”.
Its the legacy that the games will bring, the improved rail lines, improved roads, an extra suburb of housing which will be the village, the investment in the surrounding suburbs. This can lift Brisbane into the modern world, a landmark city with a feature that rivals the opera house, The Canberra Flagpole. But we need to think about it and be smart.
For me Northshore is attractive but it will all be about OWNERSHIP ! I am not comfortable with foreign ownership at all. It needs to be QLD Government owned as part of the Stadiums QLD portfolio. If foreign owned there is a strong chance my grand children will never be able to afford go there as a foreign investor will be making sure there is a profit outcome for the $B investment. Buy the plans, get the foreign entity to manage the construction and then hand over to the QLD Government to own and operate. Perfect outcome for Queenslanders.
I have no idea how this can be seen as to anything but a no brainer. The BRISBANE RIVER IS BRISBANE and to have a stadium supplied by public transport ie. rail and our incredible city cats, is brilliant. This has to happen. If the new LNP government fall at the first hurdle, I hope it tars them for rest of their term.
The Brisbane River is an embarrassment! A brown turd that’s immediately off-putting to any tourist and newly arrived local.
Brisbane IS Subtropical: it needs to be lush green and inviting. You would get that with a Victoria Park development with little extra effort.
Would there be enough time for that kind of growth to occur if you built on the NorthShore?
Lets not forget a proper swimming venue. Brisbane really needs an inner city aquatic centre for the future. As a regular swimmer, I love swimming at Centenary, Musgrave Park and The Valley pool but they are outdated. A temporary pool is not the answer we need something like MSAC in Melbourne which is fantastic.
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